Category: Victorian Era (1837-1901)

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe.
Preceded by: Regency era
Followed by: Edwardian era
Monarch: Victoria

The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne

On By TracyIn Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Scot Beds His Wife (Victorian Rebels)The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne

Series: Victorian Rebels, #5

Release Date: October 3, 2017

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Kerrigan Byrne has delivered another amazing installment in her Victorian Rebels series!

The blurb for this book doesn’t even begin to skim the surface of this book and in my opinion is a tad misleading. Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne is a man-ho – he is a gorgeous man and takes full advantage of his effect on women. He uses his “wiles” to get what he wants and right now he wants Erradale and the only thing standing in his way is Alison Ross.

When Samantha Masters met Alison Ross traveling to Scotland was the last thing on her mind, after all, it isn’t every day that you rob a train and kill your husband. Desperate to get away, she agrees to Alison’s outrageous scheme. Go to Erradale, assume Alison’s identity and prevent Gavin from claiming her lands. Alison doesn’t’ really want Erradale, she just doesn’t want Gavin to have it or an Mackenzie for that matter – understandable considering Gavin’s father killed hers.

It is impossible to give an in depth review of this book without spoilers, so all I am going to say is – READ THE BOOK! The writing is stellar, the story flies, there are secrets upon secrets, steamy love scenes, heartbreak, deception, betrayal, life and death moments, a heroine with a very dirty mouth and a hero who likes it. There are wonderful secondary characters, cameos from Liam and Mena and the introduction of “the Rook” – who may or may not be another brother – but after reading about him, I am going to re-read the Highwayman to see if I can find the connection! The book is a little dark, but not as dark as some of the previous books and of all the heroes she has written, Gavin is the only one that I would consider “reformed” at the end of the book.

I can’t recommend this series highly enough – this book is the fifth book in the Victorian Rebels series, but it could be read as a stand alone title, however, you will enjoy it much more if you have at least read the previous book “the Highlander”.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

An Echo of Murder by Anne Perry

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

An Echo of Murder (William Monk, #23)An Echo of Murder by Anne Perry

Barbara’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: William Monk #23
Publication Date: 9/19/17

William Monk just keeps on getting better. In many series that have run this long, the stories become repetitive and predictable, but not so with this series. Each new book is exciting and interesting and you never know where it will lead because it is always filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up until the end.

Monk is called out early in the morning to a warehouse near the river. The crime is a grisly murder that has some resemblance to it being ritualistic. The victim is an immigrant from Hungary who was well respected and well liked within his community. Who would want to kill him?

After a week or more of investigation there are no leads and Monk is worn totally out. Then, another early morning call and yet another grisly murder – of a well-liked Hungarian immigrant. Then, they just keep coming – all respectable, well-liked men of the Hungarian immigrant community. Is it somebody with a vendetta against Hungarians? Immigrants? Or are they just random? Monk is sure they are all the work of the same killer because they are all identical.

Hester, Monk’s wife, gets involved because of a very old friend that she thought had died 16 years earlier. Is that old friend the madman killing Hungarians? Surely not – he’s a sweet gentle man. Hester and Monk’s ward (for lack of a better word) also becomes involved in the case because he has befriended and come to admire Fitz, Hester’s old friend.

Did Fitz commit the murders? If not, who did and can they prove any of it? You’ll just have to read it to see because I don’t want to tell too much and spoil the story for you.

I’m already looking forward to Monk #24.

“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”